10 charity challenges to try in 2026 across the UK, Europe and beyond

A selection of 10 charity challenges for 2026 offers options from island swims and multi-day cycles to team multisport races and a nonstop ski relay across the UK, Europe and beyond. Highlights include the Scilly Swim Challenge, a 15km island-hopping event broken into five swims and short island walks; the longest leg is 6km and the shortest 600m, with one-day (20 September) and two-day (17–18 September) options priced at £299 and £379 respectively and no minimum fundraising.

Ultra Challenge runs a series of 18 treks, runs and cycles across the UK, with distances from a 10km beginner trek up to 25km, 50km or 100km options, raising more than £12m a year for charities; next events cited include the London Winter Walk (24–25 January) and the Bath 50 (28 March).

Other UK events include Railway Children’s Ride the Route, a three-day, 200-mile-plus cycle following the High Speed 1 line from London to Folkestone and on to Brighton before returning to London (3–6 September), with one- and three-day entry and fundraising options. Team multisport Race the Sun combines cycling (23–34 miles), hiking (6–10 miles) and paddling (2 miles) across five races including a new South Downs event on 25 April; fees and minimum fundraising targets apply.

The Lake 24 Peaks Challenge asks groups to tackle 24 Lake District peaks across two days, with group pricing and included support and logistics.

Key Topics

Sports, Scilly Swim Challenge, Ultra Challenge, Railway Children, Great River Race